Date : 9/21/14

Time : 8:30PM ET

Channel : NBC

Spread : Carolina Panthers (-3)

Players To Watch 

Cam Newton , Quarterback , Carolina Panthers

After returning from a nagging rib injury, Newton threw for 281 yards and a touchdown versus the Detroit Lions Week 2. Now with rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin stepping up as the number one target for Newton, he will have that “go-to” guy that he didn't really have besides aging tight end Greg Olson. Newton's performance will likely rely on his Offensive Line and if they can keep him up right.

Ryan Shazier , Linebacker , Pittsburgh Steelers

Only a rookie three weeks into his regular season NFL career, Shazier is Pittsburgh's best linebacker. Explosiveness and instincts are the key components in his free flowing game. The game plan for the Steelers will likely be, to contain Cam Newton from running, put Ike Taylor on Kelvin Benjamin and make sure DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart don't have big plays. Shazier will help a lot in two of those categories. 

Le'Veon Bell , Running Back , Steelers

This offseason Bell lost 20 pounds of bad weight and completely changed his style of play. When at Michigan State,  Bell was an athletic “thumper” type of back, now Bell is a guy that will beat you around the edge and break a number of 20 yard runs on you if you don't pay attention. Going against a tough, talented front seven, Bell will have to earn every yard he can get.

Implications 

Pittsburgh's offense has shown a mass improvement from last year, with weapons like Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Le'Veon Bell they should be able to score a good amount of points against the Panthers Defense. Cam Newton will face a rather weak defense so if Kelvin Benjamin can get open and create opportunities the game should be close.

Final Prediction 

Carolina Panthers 27 – Pittsburgh Steelers 21